Contamination is a fear that every laboratory/manufacturer knows all too well. The spread of any form of contamination can halt production or cause experimentation to start over from the beginning. But, what is contamination, how does it spread, and how can your lab or manufacturer be safe? Read along as we give you those answers and hopefully some much needed ease the next time you step into your workplace.

What is contamination?

The definition states that contamination is the action or state of making or being made impure by polluting or poisoning. The definition can come across as extreme, but contamination is no laughing matter. Having particles infiltrate an assembly line for food that we could eat can, in some cases, be deadly. For example, E. coli outbreaks are caused by contamination, ranging from contamination of food to not washing your hands after encountering an animal in its environment.

Contamination comes in different forms and states, as well. Gas, liquids, and solids are the three main states that contamination can be in; however, there can combinations of states, such as dust, mists, and foams.

How is contamination spread?

Contamination can be spread through various ways. One way it spreads is through the air, such as, infectious particles that travel through the air. Other ways that contamination can spread is through water, food, and injuries/ bodily functions. However, workers who reuse equipment or don’t follow procedure correctly can cause cross-contamination, thereby halting production.

How can you be safe from contamination?

As a company, you can lessen the risk of cross-contamination by following rules and procedures that the company puts forth, such as safety equipment and cleaning procedures. Employees should also wear the right safety equipment for their specific position. If you work in a high-risk environment, wearing protective equipment will lessen the chance of contamination. Shoe covers, protective eyewear, and gloves are just some of the safety equipment that will help keep your work environment safe. However, safety equipment is not the only thing a manufacturer/laboratory should consider. Cleaning procedures need to be performed to create and maintain a safe, clean, and contamination-free environment.

Contamination is a serious matter, but if you know what it is and how it spreads, you can lessen the likelihood of it spreading. Remember to follow procedures put forth from the company; the rules are there for a reason. However, once you have the right safety equipment and follow the cleaning procedures, you can reduce the risk of cross-contamination or contaminate pollutants from interrupting your working environment.